Seconds lose tight derby encounter

06/12/08 - Tribute Somerset Three South: Morganians 8 v 0 North Petherton II

Report by from the Bridgwater Mercury

With Morganians only two points above the opposition, this was always going to be a tough game.

Morganians started the stronger team, especially in the forwards, outpushing Petherton in most of the scrums and giving their scrum-half, Kev Ryubak, no end of trouble with OB Hill all over him like a backpack.

But then came a major setback with Morganians skipper Shayne Andrews breaking his leg in two places.

Royston Grimstead took over the reigns again as skipper.

After 25 minutes, play was resumed and Morganians were awarded a penalty in Petherton’s 22 – Sam Chillingworth took the easy three points.

With only 20 minutes of rugby played, half-time was blown.

The second half started the same with Morganians showing their strengths in the forwards, especially the front five in dominant mood.

Then came a well-worked overlap and Nigel Smith created a gap for Morganians’ in-form winger Dan Williams to dive over in the corner, unconverted. Not long after, Morganians were unlucky not to score with Shandy Elliot popping out of nowhere, dancing all over Petherton but dropping the ball when a try seemed certain.